What does a caregiver in a care home do? – Tasks and work environment
A caregiver in a care home provides support, care, and service to individuals who need assistance in their daily lives. This can include helping with personal hygiene, medication, activities, and social interaction. The work is often performed at specialized residences or group homes where residents have varying degrees of physical or mental disabilities. The work environment is characterized by close contact with people, diverse tasks, and a significant responsibility for both the physical and mental health of the residents. Shift work is common, including evenings and weekends.
Salary development over time
Salaries for caregivers in care homes have increased steadily over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,500 SEK per month, rising to 31 400 SEK in 2023 and reaching 32 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a salary increase of approximately 6.2% over three years. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for care staff, especially due to an aging population and difficulties recruiting enough personnel. Collective bargaining negotiations and employers’ efforts to attract and retain staff have also contributed to salary increases within the profession.
Caregiver in a care home salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 29,000 SEK/month (female, public sector)
- Highest salary: 35,300 SEK/month (male, municipal sector)
- Hourly wage: 194 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn on average as much as men
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on location and employer
Education and qualifications
To work as a caregiver in a care home, a high school education in care and social work is usually required, but there are also opportunities to supplement with courses or training in adulthood. Practical experience from care work is often advantageous, as are specialized courses in areas such as dementia care or psychiatry. Many employers also value personal qualities and the ability to collaborate.
- High school care and social work education: 3 years
- Supplementary courses: For example, in dementia, psychiatry, or disabilities
- Internship/traineeship: Usually included in the training
- Prerequisites: Basic education, sometimes B driver's license
- Tips for choosing: Select education with a focus on care or social work
Many caregivers in care homes describe their work as meaningful and fulfilling, as they contribute daily to improving the quality of life for others. Becoming a reliable support for residents and their relatives is often a source of personal pride and job satisfaction.
Common benefits and compensations
Caregivers in care homes are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to extra pay for unsociable hours, holiday pay, and sometimes wellness contributions. Opportunities for further training, supervision, work clothing, and pension contributions via the employer are also common.
Challenges and competition
The demand for caregivers in care homes remains high, and there are often many vacancies to apply for. At the same time, recruitment difficulties are reported, especially for part-time and night positions. The work can be physically and mentally demanding, with responsibility for both residents' well-being and safety. High demands are placed on flexibility, stress management, and the ability to adapt quickly to different situations. Despite many job opportunities, the work environment can sometimes be challenging, especially during staff shortages or high workload.
Tips for those who want to become caregivers in care homes
To succeed as a caregiver in a care home, it is helpful to have a genuine interest in people and the ability to show empathy in interactions with different individuals. Being attentive and communicative facilitates cooperation with colleagues and residents, while patience is crucial for handling challenging situations. Flexibility is an important trait, as tasks can vary daily and sometimes require quick adjustments. Taking responsibility for your own learning and actively seeking further education enhances both professional skills and employability. Finally, being solution-oriented and seeing opportunities even when daily life is tough contributes to job satisfaction and security for residents.
Key facts about Caregivers in care homes
- Average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
- Salary range: 29,000–35,300 SEK/month
- Education requirements: High school education in care and social work
- Job market: Great opportunities, 237 vacancies registered
- Work environment: Care residences, shift work common
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a caregiver in a care home, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as coordinator, supervisor, or specialist in areas like dementia or psychiatry care. Many choose to further their education to become assistant nurses, pedagogues, or other specialists within health and social care. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, the job prospects are very good moving forward, with a continued high demand for qualified caregivers and support staff. The need is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, although recruitment challenges may persist due to many part-time workers in the profession.
Frequently asked questions about Caregivers in care homes
- What does a caregiver in a care home earn?
- The average salary is 32 300 SEK per month. Women and men practically earn the same.
- What education is required to become a caregiver in a care home?
- High school education in care and social work is most common, sometimes supplemented with additional courses.
- What is the job market like for caregivers in care homes?
- Opportunities for employment are abundant, with many vacancies across the country.
- Is there a difference in salary between men and women?
- No, salary differences are essentially negligible within this profession.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for a caregiver in a care home?
- The highest reported salary is 35,300 SEK and the lowest is 29,000 SEK per month.
- What are the working hours for caregivers in care homes?
- Shift work is common, including evenings, weekends, and sometimes nights.
- What personal qualities are most important?
- Empathy, patience, flexibility, and good teamwork skills are highly valued in the profession.
